U.S. patent application number 14/251986 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for method for determining flooded state and electronic device thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Seung-Ki CHOI, Hyun-Ju HONG.
Application Number | 20140307356 14/251986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51686637 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140307356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HONG; Hyun-Ju ; et
al. |
October 16, 2014 |
METHOD FOR DETERMINING FLOODED STATE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE
THEREOF
Abstract
Provided is an operating method of an electronic device
including a first processor, a humidity sensor, a second processor
controlling the humidity sensor, and a battery, wherein the second
processor and the battery are waterproofed. The method may include:
detecting a power supply event from the battery; supplying a power
from the battery to the second processor controlling the humidity
sensor and not supplying the power to the first processor;
determining, by the second processor, a humidity of the electronic
device by using the humidity sensor; and when the humidity of the
electronic device is greater than a first reference humidity,
cutting off power supply from the battery and when the humidity of
the electronic device is less than the first reference humidity,
supplying the power to the first processor.
Inventors: |
HONG; Hyun-Ju; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; CHOI; Seung-Ki; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Gyeonggi-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
51686637 |
Appl. No.: |
14/251986 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02H 5/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/78 |
International
Class: |
H02H 5/08 20060101
H02H005/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0041106 |
Claims
1. A method in an electronic device including a first processor, a
humidity sensor, a second processor controlling the humidity
sensor, and a battery, wherein the second processor and the battery
are waterproofed, the method comprising: detecting a power supply
event from the battery; supplying a power from the battery to the
second processor controlling the humidity sensor and not supplying
the power to the first processor; determining, by the second
processor, a humidity of the electronic device by using the
humidity sensor; and when the humidity of the electronic device is
greater than a first reference humidity, cutting off power supply
from the battery and when the humidity of the electronic device is
less than the first reference humidity, supplying the power to the
first processor.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further
comprises a power management unit controlling the power supply,
wherein when the humidity of the electronic device is greater than
a second reference humidity before the power is cutoff as the
electronic device is flooded, the power management unit is set to
delay processing of a power supply signal controlling the power
supply of the first processor when the power supply event is
detected after the power is cutoff.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein if the power supply event is
detected after the power cutoff as the electronic device is
flooded, further comprising postponing the supply of power to the
first processor according to a setting of the power management
unit.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the humidity
of the electronic device comprises detecting that the processing of
the power supply signal is delayed.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining the
electronic device as being flooding when the humidity of the
electronic is greater than the second reference humidity; and
storing, in a memory, state information of the electronic device at
the time of the flooding when the electronic device is determined
as being flooding, wherein the state information comprises at least
one of visual data of the electronic device, illumination amount
data around the electronic device, impact amount data applied to
the electronic device, vibration amount data of the electronic
device corresponding to the impact amount data, acceleration amount
data of the electronic device corresponding to the impact amount
data, tilt amount data of the electronic device, rotational inertia
amount data of the electronic device, and running application
program list data of the electronic device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplying of the power from
the battery to the second processor controlling the humidity sensor
comprises supplying the power via a path that is separated from a
path supplying the power to the first processor and directly
receives the power without passing through the first processor.
7. An operating method of an electronic device, the electronic
device including a first processor, a power management unit, a
memory, a second processor, a battery, and a humidity sensor,
wherein the second processor controls the humidity sensor, the
power management unit controls power supply from the battery, and
wherein the power management unit, the memory, the second
processor, and the battery are waterproofed, wherein the method
comprises: determining whether the electronic device is flooded on
the basis of whether a humidity of the electronic device obtained
by using the humidity sensor is greater than a first reference
humidity; and storing, by the first processor, data in the memory,
wherein, when power is cut off and then is supplied to the
electronic device, the data comprises one of a command for
determining the power supply to the first processor by the second
processor and information indicating whether the electronic device
is flooded.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising storing, in the
memory, state information of the electronic device at the time of
the flooding when it is determined that the electronic device has
flooded, wherein the state information comprises at least one of
visual data of the electronic device, illumination amount data
around the electronic device, impact amount data applied to the
electronic device, vibration amount data of the electronic device
corresponding to the impact amount data, acceleration amount data
of the electronic device corresponding to the impact amount data,
tilt amount data of the electronic device, rotational inertia
amount data of the electronic device, and running application
program list data of the electronic device.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein when the power is cut off and
then is supplied to the electronic device, further comprising:
supplying, by the power management unit, power from the battery to
the second processor and postponing the power supply to the first
processor; and determining, by the second processor, the power
supply of the electronic device by using the humidity sensor
according to the command of the data stored in the memory, wherein
the determining of the power supply comprises: collecting, by the
second processor, the humidity of the electronic device by using
the humidity sensor, wherein when the humidity of the electronic
device is less than a second reference humidity, supplying, by the
power management unit, the postponed power to the first processor;
and when the humidity of the electronic device is grater than the
second reference humidity, cutting off, by the power management
unit, the power supply.
10. The method of claim 7, when the power is cut off and then is
supplied to the electronic device, further comprising: supplying,
by the power management unit, power from the battery to the second
processor and postponing the power supply to the first processor;
collecting the humidity of the electronic device through the
humidity sensor to determine the power supply according to
information indicating the flooding stored in the memory;
supplying, by the power management unit, the postponed power to the
electronic device when the information does not indicate flooding,
wherein the determining of the power supply through the humidity of
the electronic device comprises: collecting, by the second
processor, the humidity of the electronic device by using the
humidity sensor, supplying by the power management unit, the
postponed power to the electronic device when the humidity of the
electronic device is less than a second reference humidity; and
cutting off, by the power management unit, the power supply when
the humidity of the electronic device is greater than the second
reference humidity.
11. An electronic device comprising: a battery; a first processor;
a second processor; a memory; and at least one program stored in
the memory and executed by the at least one processor; and a
humidity sensor operated by a second processor, wherein once a
power supply event from the battery is detected, a power from the
battery is supplied to the second processor controlling the
humidity sensor, and no power is supplied to the first processor,
and when a humidity of the electronic device is greater than a
first reference humidity, the second processor cuts off power
supply from the battery by using the humidity sensor, and when the
humidity of the electronic device is less than the first reference
humidity, the second processor supplies the power to the first
processor.
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a power management
unit controlling the power supply of the electronic device, wherein
the program includes a command by which when the humidity of the
electronic device is greater than a second reference humidity
before the power cutoff as the electronic device is flooded, the
power management unit is set to delay processing of a power supply
signal controlling the power supply of the first processor when the
power supply event is detected after the power cutoff.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein as the electronic device is
flooded, if the power supply event is detected after the power
cutoff, the program allows the power management unit to postpone
the power to be supplied to the first processor according to a
setting of the power management unit.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein when it is detected that the
processing of the power supply signal is delayed, the program
includes a command allowing the second processor to determine the
humidity of the electronic device by using the humidity sensor.
15. The device of claim 12, further comprising a memory, wherein
the program includes a command for, when the humidity of the
electronic is greater than the second reference humidity,
determining it as the flooding and storing, in the memory, state
information of the electronic device at the time of the flooding,
wherein the state information comprises at least one of visual data
of the electronic device, illumination amount data around the
electronic device, impact amount data applied to the electronic
device, vibration amount data of the electronic device
corresponding to the impact amount data, acceleration amount data
of the electronic device corresponding to the impact amount data,
tilt amount data of the electronic device, rotational inertia
amount data of the electronic device, and running application
program list data of the electronic device.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the program includes a command
for supplying the power to the second processor via a path that is
separated from a path supplying the power to the first processor
and directly receives the power without passing through the first
processor.
17. An electronic device comprising: a battery; a power management
unit supplying a power of the battery to the electronic device; at
least one processor; a memory; at least one program stored in the
memory and executed by the at least one processor; and a humidity
sensor operated by a second processor, wherein the at least one
program includes a command for determining, when a humidity of the
electronic device obtained using the humidity sensor is greater
than a first reference humidity, the electronic device as being
flooded and storing data in the memory through the at least one
processor, wherein, when power is cut off and then is supplied to
the electronic device, the data includes one of a command for
determining the power supply to the at least one processor by the
second processor and information indicating whether the electronic
device is flooded.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the program includes a command
for storing, in the memory, state information of the electronic
device at the time of the flooding, wherein the state information
comprises at least one of visual data of the electronic device,
illumination amount data around the electronic device, impact
amount data applied to the electronic device, vibration amount data
of the electronic device corresponding to the impact amount data,
acceleration amount data of the electronic device corresponding to
the impact amount data, tilt amount data of the electronic device,
rotational inertia amount data of the electronic device, and
running application program list data of the electronic device.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the program includes a command
for determining the power supply in which, when the power is cut
off and then is supplied, the power management unit supplies a
power from the battery to the second processor and postpones the
power supply to the first processor; and the second processor
determines the power supply of the electronic device by using the
humidity sensor according to the command of the data stored in the
memory, wherein the second processor collects the humidity of the
electronic device by using the humidity sensor, wherein when the
humidity of the electronic device is less than a second reference
humidity, the power management unit processes the postponed power
supply to supply the power to the first processor, and when the
humidity of the electronic device is greater than the second
reference humidity, the power management unit cuts off the power
supply.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the program further includes a
command by which when the power is cut off and then is supplied,
the power management unit supplies the power from the battery to
the second processor and postpones the power supply to the first
processor; the second processor determines the power supply by
collecting the humidity of the electronic device through the
humidity sensor when the information is the flooding information
according to the information indicating whether the electronic
device is flooded stored in the memory; and if the information is
not the flooding information, the power management unit processes
the postponed power supply to supply the power the electronic
device, wherein, during the determining of the power supply through
the humidity of the electronic device, the second processor
collects the humidity of the electronic device by using the
humidity sensor, and the second processor allows the power
management unit to processes the postponed power supply so as to
supply the power to the electronic device when the humidity of the
electronic device is less than a second reference humidity, and cut
off the power supply when the humidity of the electronic device
greater than the second humidity.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to an application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office
on Apr. 15, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0041106, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a method for
determining a flooded state and an electronic device that is
configured to determine whether the electronic device is in flooded
state (e.g., the humidity of the electronic device is above a
predetermined level).
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] As mobile communication technology advances, portable
electronic communication devices are becoming essential to
individuals. These electronic devices not only provide
communication functions, but they also provide additional
functionality including, for example, functioning as a camera, a
data communication device, video playback device, audio playback
device, a messenger device, scheduling device, and an alarm. As the
portability of such electric devices increases, the electronic
device there is a risk of flooding under external various
conditions.
[0006] In the past, a method of determining a flooded state of an
electronic device was performed by observing the discoloration of a
liquid contact indicator attached to a predetermined location to an
electronic device. Alternatively, another method of determining a
flooded state has included using a humidity sensor or a sensing
unit determining the flooding and cutting off the power of an
electronic device when flooded.
[0007] When a liquid contact indicator is used, reading errors may
result because the reading could be corrupted by humidity instead
of flooding and also it is difficult to realize an accurate
condition at the time of flooding. Therefore, certain under certain
conditions, accurate data cannot be provided to a consumer and a
power-off function for circuit protection of an electronic device
in a flooded state may not be used appropriately. Additionally,
when a power supply is restored to the electric device following
its being powered off, there may be vulnerability to additional
damage resulting from a short circuit.
SUMMARY
[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is to substantially
solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to
provide at least the advantages below. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, a humidity sensor and a micro controller unit
(MCU) for controlling the humidity sensor are provided and are
configured to determine a flooded state.
[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
method and device that prevents additional damage of a system by
controlling the power supply to an electronic device depending on
the degree of humidity after realizing a humidity of the electronic
device and attempting power connection when flooded.
[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
method and device for recording information on an electronic device
such as a date, a time, a position, and a running application list
at the time of flooding.
[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
method and device for operating an electronic device normally, even
when being flooded, by water-proofing components such as a humidity
sensor, a controller, a battery, and memory, which are necessary
for an operation of a sensor unit and data storage.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an
electronic device may include a first processor, a humidity sensor,
a second processor controlling the humidity sensor, and a battery.
The second processor and the battery may be waterproofed. A method
of operating the electronic device may include detecting a power
supply event from the battery, supplying a power from the battery
to the second processor controlling the humidity sensor and not
supplying the power to the first processor, determining, by the
second processor, a humidity of the electronic device by using the
humidity sensor, and when the humidity of the electronic device is
greater than a first reference humidity, cutting off power supply
from the battery and when the humidity of the electronic device is
less than the first reference humidity, and supplying the power to
the first processor.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an
electronic device may include a first processor, a power management
unit, a memory, a second processor, a battery, and a humidity
sensor. The second processor may control the humidity sensor. The
power management unit may control the power supply from the
battery. The power management unit, the memory, the second
processor, and the battery may be waterproofed. A method of
operating the electronic device may include determining whether the
electronic device is flooded on the basis of whether a humidity of
the electronic device obtained by using the humidity sensor is
greater than a first reference humidity, and storing, by the first
processor, data in the memory,
[0014] According to a still further aspect of the present
disclosure, an electronic device may include a battery, a first
processor, a second processor, a memory, at least one program
stored in the memory and executed by the at least one processor,
and a humidity sensor operated by a second processor. Once a power
supply event from the battery is detected, a power from the battery
may be supplied to the second processor controlling the humidity
sensor, and no power may be supplied to the first processor. When a
humidity of the electronic device is greater than a first reference
humidity, the second processor cuts off power supply from the
battery by using the humidity sensor. When the humidity of the
electronic device is less than the first reference humidity, the
second processor may supply the power to the first processor.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
an electronic device may include a battery, a power management unit
supplying a power of the battery to the electronic device, at least
one processor, a memory, at least one program stored in the memory
and executed by the at least one processor, and a humidity sensor
operated by a second processor. The at least one program may
include a command for determining when a humidity of the electronic
device obtained using the humidity sensor is greater than a first
reference humidity, and may in response to flooding store data in
the memory through a first processor. When power is cut off and
then is supplied to the electronic device, the data stored in the
memory includes one of a command for determining the power supply
to the first processor by the second processor and information
indicating whether the electronic device is flooded.
[0016] These and other embodiments of the present disclosure will
be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become more apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a waterproof unit of
an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a processor
operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a controller
operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and managing power supply when an electronic device is flooded
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and managing power supply when an electronic device is flooded
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and supplying power to an electronic device when the
electronic device is flooded according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a process of managing
power supply when power is applied to an electronic device after
flooding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating a process of managing
power supply when power is applied to an electronic device after
flooding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a view of when contents on an operation performed
are displayed on a display unit in an electronic device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a view of when contents on an operation performed
are displayed on a display unit in an electronic device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a power applying process of an
electronic device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in more detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of
well-known functions or constructions will be omitted so that the
invention is not obscured in unnecessary detail. Also, the terms
used herein are defined according to the functions of the present
invention. Thus, the terms may vary depending on the user's or
operator's intentions or practices. Therefore, the terms used
herein are to be understood based on the descriptions made
herein.
[0031] In an embodiment, when an electronic device 100 (FIG. 1) is
in a flooded state before cutting off power or when a processor 122
attempts to perform a power connection after power of the
electronic device 100 has been cut off, power supply to
non-waterproof components of the electronic device 100 is delayed,
and power is supplied to a waterproof sensor unit 150, which
independently measures a humidity of the electronic device 100
through a humidity sensor 160 without being controlled by the
processor 122. The sensor unit 150 may supply power to all
non-waterproof components of the electronic device 100 only if a
measured humidity is within a reference humidity range of a normal
operation, and cuts off power if the measured humidity is not
within this range.
[0032] Accordingly, when a user attempts to supply power to the
electronic device 100 after it has flooded, power supply is delayed
with respect to non-waterproof components of the electronic device
100 and power is supplied to the waterproof sensor unit 150. A
controller 152 (FIG. 3B) configuring the sensor unit 150 drives a
humidity sensor 160 to measure a humidity of the electronic device
100. Additionally, the controller 152 supplies power via power
management integrated circuit (PMIC) 140 to all non-waterproof
components of the electronic device 100 only if the measured
humidity is within a reference humidity range of a normal operation
and cuts off power to the electronic device 100 if not.
[0033] A processor 122 realizes humidity information of the
electronic device 100 periodically by using the humidity sensor 160
and stores information at the time of flooding of the electronic
device 100 when the measured humidity information exceeds a
reference humidity for determining the state of flooding, and then
provides objective and detailed information.
[0034] The electronic device 100 may include a mobile communication
terminal, a PDA, a PC, a laptop, a smart phone, a netbook, a mobile
internet device (MID), a ultra mobile PC (UMPC), a tablet PC, a
navigator, and an MP3, any of which may include the humidity sensor
160.
[0035] It will also be understood that when a component is referred
to as "being connected to" or "in access to" another component, it
can be directly "connected to" or "in access to" the other
component, or intervening components connecting the two components
may also be present. It will also be understood that when a
component is referred to as "being directly connected to" or "in
direct access to" another component, no intervening components
connecting the two components may also be present.
[0036] To avoid confusion among the following terms: a power
source, a power, and a battery, the power source is to be defined
as a source for supplying electrical energy such as power, the
power is to be defined as electrical energy or work done by current
for each unit of time, and the battery is to be defined as a
physical device having the power source.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device
100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device
100 may include a memory 110, a processor unit 120, the power
management IC (PMIC) 140, the sensor unit 150, the humidity sensor
160, a battery 170, and a peripheral device.
[0039] The memory 110 may include a program storage unit 111
storing a program for controlling an operation of the electronic
device 100 and a data storage unit 112 storing data generated
during program execution, so that it may store data generated from
a program due to an operation of the processor 122, the power
management IC (PMIC) 140, and/or, the sensor unit 150.
[0040] In an embodiment, the data storage unit 112 may store
information collected by sensors of the sensor unit 150 during the
flooding of the electronic device 100, and may store data including
a command on a changed operation if a procedure of supplying power
is changed by the processor 122 as power is supplied again after
the flooding. The program storage unit 111 may include a service
state check program 116, a sensor control program 115, a power
management program 114, and at least one application program 113.
Here, a program included in the program storage unit 111 may be
expressed in a set including instructions.
[0041] The sensor control program 115 controls operations of
various kinds of sensors configuring a sensor unit of the
electronic device 100. For example, the processor 122 or the
controller 152 may control an operation of the humidity sensor 160
through the sensor control program 115 and collect information on a
humidity of the electronic device 100 periodically. Additionally,
if the humidity information measured by the humidity sensor 160 is
a flooded state, in order to realize a state of the electronic
device 100 at the time of flooding, information on a state of the
electronic device 100 may be collected by operating various kinds
of sensors such as an illumination sensor (not shown) measuring
illumination, a global positioning system (GPS) (not shown)
measuring position information, an acceleration sensor (not shown)
measuring a movement of the electronic device 100, and a gyroscope
(not shown).
[0042] Furthermore, the processor 122 may operate sensors by
controlling the controller 152. The controller 152 operating
independent from the processor 122 may operate sensors through the
sensor control program 115.
[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a
power connection to the electronic device 100 is attempted again
after power is cut off, the processor 122 of the power device 100
may delay power supply and measure humidity information of the
electronic device 100 by driving the humidity sensor 160 through
the controller 152 of a waterproof unit 180. Since no power is
supplied to the non-waterproof processor 122 and other electronic
devices, the controller 152 is linked to the sensor control program
115, being independent from the processor 122, and determines
whether to supply power to an electronic device by using a
sensor.
[0044] The power management program 114 may control power supplied
to each component of the electronic device 100 through a power
management unit of the electronic device 100 or the power
management IC 140 configuring the power management unit. For
example, the power management program 114 may determine a signal on
power necessary for each component, once power is supplied to the
electronic device 100, and may control power by controlling voltage
to be appropriate through the power management IC 140.
[0045] Additionally, the power management program 144 modifies a
method of processing a signal for controlling power to be supplied
to each component of the electronic device 100, so as to determine
power supply timing.
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in
relation to a method of controlling power supply when power
connection to the electronic device 100 whose power is cut off due
to flooding is attempted, the processor 122 may be set to delay
processing of signals for supplying power to non-waterproof devices
including the processor 122 when power connection to the electronic
device 100 is attempted through the power management program 114 at
the time of flooding, which may be performed by the power
management IC 140 according to set information.
[0047] Determining power supply or power supply timing may be made
by the controller 152 in the waterproof sensor unit 150 in addition
to the processor 122.
[0048] The service state check program 116 may include at least one
software component for checking a state of a service provided from
the electronic device 100.
[0049] In an embodiment, the controller 152 of the electronic
device 100 may determine a flooded state by using the humidity
sensor 160, stores state information on the electronic device 100
at the time of flooding, limits power supply of the electronic
device 100 at the time of flood, and detects that power supply is
delayed, and also may include a command for checking power supply
determination by using the humidity sensor 160.
[0050] The application program 113 may include a software component
for at least one application program installed in the electronic
device 100.
[0051] The memory 110 of the electronic device 100 may include at
least one of the program storage unit 111 or the data storage unit
112, or two functions thereof, depending on uses, and in terms of
device characteristics, a physical area in the memory 110 may not
be specified.
[0052] The processor unit 120 may include a memory interface 121,
at least one processor 122, and a peripheral device interface 123.
The memory interface 121, the at least one processor 122, and the
peripheral device interface 123 in the processor unit 120 may be
implemented using at least one integrated circuit or an additional
component.
[0053] Moreover, the processor unit 120 may control an operation of
the electronic device 100. The processor 122 of the processor unit
120 may deliver a command to the power management IC 140, and may
control the sensor unit 150, which may operate independently if
necessary. The processor unit 120 may control the electronic device
100 including its constituent components such as a peripheral
device, the memory 110, the power management IC 140, a battery, and
the sensor unit 150.
[0054] The memory interface 121 may control access to the memory
110 of components such as the processor 122 or the peripheral
device interface 123.
[0055] The peripheral device interface 123 may control a connection
between an input/output peripheral device, the processor 122, and
the memory interface 121 of the electronic device 100. The
processor 122 may control the electronic device 100 to provide
services such as various multimedia and communication through at
least one software program. At this point, the processor 122
executes at least one program stored in the memory 110 so as to
provide a function corresponding to a corresponding program.
[0056] Although a power management unit is not shown, the power
management IC 140 may be responsible for power supply to the
electronic device 100. The power management unit may include a
physical, software, and/or systematic device including a switch in
addition to the power management IC 140, so as to supply battery
power to the electronic device 100 according a programmed
standard.
[0057] The PMIC 140 may control power supply of the electronic
device 100. The PMIC 140 may be disposed in or outside the
processor unit 120.
[0058] Additionally, the PMIC 140 controls power for components of
the electronic device 100, such as the processor unit 120, the
memory 110, the sensor unit 150, and a peripheral device, according
to an existing programmed state. The processor 122 may control the
power supply to the PMIC 140 by changing a command of the power
management program 114, and changed information may be stored in
the memory 110 in the sensor unit 150 and the memory 110 in the
electronic device 100.
[0059] In an embodiment, when components other than the sensor unit
150 and the battery 170 in the electronic device 100 are not
waterproof, in order to successfully accomplish the object of the
present invention, if power is applied again after flooding, the
power is limited to the non-waterproof processor 122 and remaining
devices. Accordingly, the processor 122 may supply power through
the controller 152 of the waterproof sensor unit 150 before power
is cut off after flooding, and the controller 152 may store in the
memory 110 a command for delaying power supply to the
non-waterproof processor 122 and devices until power supply to the
electronic device 100 is determined. When power is applied to the
electronic device 100 after flooding, the PMIC 140 may perform a
command for power supply procedure stored in the memory 110,
without additional manipulation.
[0060] Furthermore, according to a typical method, power supplied
to the electronic device 100 is distributed and managed through
setting information stored in the memory 110, device design, or the
PMIC 140 of the processor 122.
[0061] The sensor unit 150 may control various kinds of sensors in
the electronic device 100. Additionally, the sensor unit 150 may be
physically connected to sensors, and the sensors may operate in
response to a control of the sensor unit 150 that is independent
from the processor 122. Alternatively, the sensor unit 150 may
operate in response to a control of the processor unit 120, a
control of the sensor unit 150, or a control of the processor unit
120.
[0062] Additionally, the sensor unit 150 may include the memory 110
and a micro controller unit, such as the controller 152, so as to
efficiently manage sensors, independently of the processor 122.
[0063] The controller 152 may be configured with an integrated
single chip including a memory (e.g., a ram) responsible for a
predetermined function performed by a processor, a memory (e.g., a
rom) for storing collected data storage, for example, flash memory
such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), a timer such as a counter timer circuit, a parallel
input/output (PIO) control unit, and a serial input/output (SIO)
control unit, and may be distinguished from a cpu and mpu used for
the typical electronic device 100.
[0064] In order to successfully accomplish an aspect of the present
disclosure to prevent additional damage of a system due to an
inappropriate power connection after flooding, power may be
received through a path that is directly connected to the battery,
and the controller 152 connected to the humidity sensor 160 detects
that power supply to the processor unit 120 and devices may be
delayed so as to measure a humidity of the electronic device 100
through the humidity sensor 160.
[0065] At this point, in order for a stable operation in a flooded
state, the humidity sensor 160, the sensor unit 150 including the
controller 152, and the battery may be waterproofed as one piece or
separately.
[0066] The sensor unit 150 may include various kinds of sensors
collecting state information of the electronic device 100, and may
operate in response to a control of the processor 122 in the
electronic device 100 or the controller 152 in the sensor unit
150.
[0067] In relation to the electronic device 100, the sensor unit
may include various kinds of sensors obtaining a state of the
electronic device 100 such as a GPS (not shown), an illumination
sensor (not shown), and a gyroscope sensor (not shown) in addition
to the humidity sensor 160.
[0068] The electronic device 100 may include at least one humidity
sensor. In particular, the electronic device may include the
humidity sensor 160, which is a device capable of measuring
humidity. The humidity sensor 160 may detect and digitize humidity
by using various physical and chemical phenomena relating to
moisture in the air. The humidity sensor 160 may detect humidity
through a method of using a change in electrical resistance or
capacitance, or a change in resonant frequency of an oscillator.
The humidity sensor 160 may include, for example, a psychrometer, a
lithium chloride humidity sensor, an electrolytic humidity sensor,
a polymer film humidity sensor, a correction vibration humidity
sensor, an aluminum oxide moisture sensor, a ceramic humidity
sensor, a microwave humidity sensor, a dew condensation sensor,
and/or a dew point sensor.
[0069] Furthermore, an illumination sensor (not shown) may measure
and digitize an illumination around the electronic device 100. An
acceleration sensor (not shown) may measure and digitize dynamic
power applied to the electronic device 100, such as acceleration,
impact, and vibration of the electronic device 100. Additionally,
if there is no impact from the outside, the acceleration sensor
(not shown) detects a gravity direction. That is, the acceleration
sensor serves as a tilt sensor to measure and digitize a change in
tilt of the electronic device 100. A gyroscope (not shown) may
measure and digitize a rotational inertia such as rotation and
rotation speed (angular speed) of the electronic device 100.
[0070] The battery 170 may preserve power necessary for an
operation of the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100
supplies power to a circuit and device through the PMIC 140 and the
sensor unit 150, and may additionally include the battery 170 for
an independent power supply to the sensor unit 150.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, an audio processing unit 133 may provide
an audio interface between a user and the electronic device 100
through a speaker 134 and a microphone 135.
[0072] Also as shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 136 may
perform a communication function. For example, the communication
system 136 may communicate with a second electronic device (not
shown) through at least one of a mobile communication via a base
station, a short-range wireless communication (such as infrared and
wireless communication (e.g., IrDA), and Bluetooth), a wireless LAN
communication, and a wired communication.
[0073] The input/output control unit 130 may provide an interface
between an input/output device (such as a display unit 131 and an
input device 132) and an interface.
[0074] The input device 132 may provide input data generated by a
user's selection to the processor unit 120 through the input/output
control unit 130. For example, the input device 132 may be
configured including only a control button for controlling the
electronic device 100. As another example, the input device 132 may
be configured with a keypad for receiving input data from a user.
As another example, the input device 132 may be included in the
display unit 131 as a touch screen type, which may include an
electrostatic-type touch screen and a pressure-type touch
screen.
[0075] The display unit 131 may display state information, such as,
for example, characters entered by a user, moving pictures, and
still pictures, of the electronic device 100. For example, the
display unit 131 may display application program information driven
by the processor 122.
[0076] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the waterproof unit
180 of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0077] In the electronic device 100, the controller 152 and the
humidity sensor 160 of the sensor unit 150 may be controlled by the
processor 122. However, the controller 152 of the sensor unit 150
may operate the humidity sensor 160 independently of the processor
122. Accordingly, the waterproof unit 180 may be configured
including the sensor unit 150 such that in the event of an
emergency, such as flooding, one or more functions may be performed
without being controlled by the processor 122.
[0078] In an embodiment, before flooding, the electronic device 100
may be controlled by the processor 122, and the humidity sensor 160
may also be controlled by the processor 122. Additionally, the
humidity sensor 160 may be controlled by the controller 152, and
the operations of the humidity sensor 160 and the controller 152
may be controlled by the processor 122. According to an embodiment
of the present disclosure, when power is supplied again after power
was cut off when the electronic device 100 was determined to be
flooded, power is supplied first to the controller 152 of the
sensor unit 150 to operate the humidity sensor 160. At this point,
power may not be supplied to the processor 122 and peripheral
devices except those devices that are may be used to determine a
humidity of the electronic device 100 such as, for example, the
controller 152 and the humidity sensor 160. Accordingly, in this
case, the waterproof unit 180 may include components and devices
determining a humidity of the electronic device 100, each of which
may be separately configured. The waterproof unit 180 may also
include the sensor unit 150 including the controller 152
controlling the humidity sensor 160. The waterproof unit 180 may be
separated from the processor 122, the humidity sensor 160, and the
battery 170. When the humidity sensor 160 is itself waterproofed,
it may not be included necessarily be included within the
waterproof unit, and may be mounted inside the electronic device
100 to perform a function in response to a control of the sensor
unit 150.
[0079] Additionally, in relation to supplying power to the
electronic device 100, if the PMIC 140 requires command information
to delay a signal for supplying power to non-waterproof components
according to information stored in the memory 110 without
additional manipulation, the memory 110 storing information and the
PMIC 140 executing a command according to the information of the
memory 110 may be included in the configuration of the waterproof
unit 180.
[0080] The waterproof unit 180 may implement a waterproof function
by sealing through an independent configuration (modularization) of
components and devices to be waterproofed, or by being covered with
a resin such as an epoxy, a urethane, and a polyurethane for
waterproofing components or devices.
[0081] Furthermore, besides the configuration of the waterproof
unit 180, in relation to circuit waterproof between devices, a
waterproof function may be performed by inhibiting the exposure of
a circuit to air, for example, by positioning the circuit inside an
insulating material forming a substrate during a process operation,
or coating a circuit surface.
[0082] The waterproof unit 180 in the electronic device 100 may be
configured through a method that is typically used to implement a
waterproof function instead of the above methods.
[0083] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an operation of the
processor 122 of the electronic device 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 3A, the processor 122 may include a sensor
control unit 211, a service state check unit 213, and a power
management unit 215.
[0085] The sensor control unit 211 may execute the censor control
program 115 to control the sensors in the electronic device
100.
[0086] The sensor control unit 211 may drive the humidity sensor
160 periodically before the electronic device 100 is flooded to
collect humidity information. If the collected humidity information
exceeds a reference humidity determining the flooding of the
electronic device 100, i.e., it is determined that the electronic
device 100 is flooded, the sensor control unit 211 may drive
sensors in the electronic device to collect state information of
the electronic device 100 at the time of flooding. The sensors
driven by the sensor control unit 211 at the time of flooding may
include various kinds of sensors obtaining state information of the
electronic device 100. Such sensors may include, for example, at
least one of a GPS, an acceleration sensor, an illumination sensor,
and a gyroscope sensor.
[0087] The service state check unit 213 may execute the service
state check program 116 to control an organic relationship between
programs and devices in the electronic device 100.
[0088] In an embodiment, the service state check unit 213 may
compare humidity information of the electronic device 100
periodically collected through the humidity sensor 160 and a
reference humidity determining flooding stored in the memory 110.
If the humidity information collected through the humidity sensor
160 exceeds the reference humidity, the service state check unit
213 may determine the flooding of the electronic device 100 and may
operate sensors through the sensor control unit 211.
[0089] Additionally, the state information of the electronic device
100 collected at the time of flooding may be stored in the memory
110. In an embodiment of a method of controlling power when the
electronic device 100 is flooded, a power management program 114
that is stored in the memory 110 may cause the power management
unit 215 to manage the power supply of the electronic device
100.
[0090] The power management unit 215 may control power supply of
the electronic device 100 by executing the power management program
114.
[0091] In an embodiment, the power management unit 215 may manage
power supplied to the electronic device 100 according to power
management information stored in the memory 110. Additionally, when
it is determined that the electronic device 100 is flooded, the
power management unit 215 may edit a power management procedure of
the electronic device 100 according to information set in the
memory 110 and then, stores the edited power management procedure
in the memory 110. The modified power management procedure is
stored in the memory 110 through the power management program 114
and is performed through the PMIC 140.
[0092] In the above embodiment, the electronic device 100 may
collect humidity information of the electronic device 100 from the
humidity sensor 160 of the sensor unit through the processor 122
including the sensor control unit 211 and the service state check
unit 213, and then may compare the collected humidity information
with the reference humidity to determine the flooding of the
electronic device 100.
[0093] In another embodiment, if it is determined that the
electronic device 100 is flooded, the electronic device 100 may
collect state information of the electronic device 100 at the time
of flooding from sensors (e.g., a GPS, an illumination sensor, a
gyroscope sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.) of the sensor unit
through the processor 122 including the sensor control unit 211 and
the service state check unit 213, and then may store the collected
state information in the memory 110 in addition to the date and
time information of the electronic device 100.
[0094] In another embodiment, when it is determined that the
electronic device 100 is flooded, the power management unit 215 may
edit a power management procedure of the power management program
through the processor 122 including the sensor control unit 211 and
the service state check unit 213. Then, the edited power management
procedure may be stored in the memory 110, and may be performed
through the PMIC 140.
[0095] Although the sensor control program 211, the service state
check unit 213, and the power management unit 215 configured in the
processor 122 are described as separate parts to help with
understanding an operation of the processor 122, the components
within the processor 122 may not be separate or clearly physically
distinguishable.
[0096] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an operation of the
controller 152 configuring the sensor unit 150 when power is
applied to the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 3B, the controller 152 may include a power
management unit 221, a sensor control unit 223, and a service state
check unit 225.
[0098] The power management unit 221 may control power supply of
the sensor unit 150 and the humidity sensor 160. Also, the power
management unit 221 may be connected to the memory 110 to execute
the power management program 114.
[0099] In an embodiment, the power management unit 221 may detect
that power connection to the electronic device 100 is attempted and
the PMIC 140 delays processing of a signal for supplying power to
the processor 122 and devices, and then may control the sensor
control unit 223 to drive the humidity sensor 160.
[0100] Additionally, the power management unit 221 may control the
PMIC 140 to process the signal that delays power supply to the
processor 122 and devices or cut off power to the electronic device
100 according to power supply determined based on the humidity
information of the electronic device collected from the humidity
sensor in the service state check unit 225.
[0101] The sensor unit 223 may control sensors in the electronic
device 100. Also, sensor unit 223 may be connected to the memory
110 to execute the sensor control program 115.
[0102] In an embodiment, when the power management unit 221 detects
that power supply to the electronic device 100 is delayed, the
sensor control unit 221 may drive the humidity sensor 160 to
collect humidity information.
[0103] The service state check unit 225 may control an organic
relationship between programs and devices in the electronic device
100. Also, service state check unit 225 may be connected to the
memory 110 to execute the service state check program 116.
[0104] In an embodiment, the service state check unit 225 may
determine whether humidity information of the electronic device 100
collected through the humidity sensor 160 is within a reference
humidity range available for the electronic device 100 through
comparison. If the humidity information of the electronic device
100 is within the reference humidity range, the power management
unit 221 may process a power supply signal normally, which is
delayed by the PMIC 140, to supply power to the electronic device
100. If the humidity information of the electronic device 100 is
not within the reference humidity range, the power management unit
221 cuts off power to the electronic device 100.
[0105] In the above embodiment, the electronic device 100 may
detect that the PMIC 140 delays a signal for supplying power to the
electronic device 100 through the controller 152 including the
power management unit 221.
[0106] In another embodiment, when it is detected that power supply
is delayed, the electronic device 100 may measure its humidity and
determine whether to supply power through the controller 152
including the sensor control unit 223 and the service state check
unit 225.
[0107] In another embodiment, when it is detected that power supply
is delayed, the electronic device 100 may process a power supply
signal held by the PMIC 140 or cut off power through the controller
152 including the service state check unit 225 and the power
management unit 221.
[0108] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and managing power supply when the electronic device 100 is
flooded according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0109] In general, a method of determining whether the electronic
device 100 is flooded may include a method of using discoloration
of a liquid contact indicator due to humidity at the time of
flooding and a method of using the humidity sensor 160.
[0110] When the humidity sensor 160 is used to determine the
flooding, the processor 122 may store state information of the
electronic device 100 at the time of flooding in the memory 110 so
that it may provide more objective information.
[0111] Furthermore, while the electronic device 100 after the
flooding is not dried enough to receive power, if power is applied
to the electronic device 100, additional damage may occur in a
circuit or device. Accordingly, when power is applied to the
electronic device 100 after the flooding, a method of preventing an
additional damage of the electronic device 100 is required.
[0112] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
humidity sensor 160 may collect humidity information around the
electronic device 100. When it is determined that the electronic
device 100 is in a flooded state, a signal system is changed so
that power is supplied to the waterproofed controller 152 that is
capable of independently operating sensors when power is applied
after the flooding. State information at the time of flooding of
the electronic device is collected and stored in the memory
110.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 4A, the processor 122 may use the humidity
sensor 160 to collect humidity information around the electronic
device 100 in step 401.
[0114] In an embodiment, the processor 122 uses the humidity sensor
160 to periodically measure a humidity of the electronic device 100
(in more detail, around a sensor). In another example, the
processor 122 may allow the controller 152 configuring the sensor
unit 150 to measure a humidity of the electronic device 100 through
the humidity sensor 160. In another example, the controller 152
measures a humidity of the electronic device 100 through a humidity
sensor, being independent from a control of the processor 122.
[0115] Information measured and digitized by the humidity sensor
160 is stored in the memory 110 as a log, and may be used to
determine whether the electronic device 100 is flooded by comparing
the measured humidity to a reference humidity through the control
of the processor 122 or the controller 152.
[0116] In step 403, the processor 122 may determines the flooding
of the electronic device 100 by using the collected humidity
information.
[0117] In an embodiment, when a humidity in a flooded state is
defined as 100%, if digitized humidity information exceeds a
predetermined critical value n %, the processor 122 determines that
the electronic device 100 is flooded. Here, as the critical value n
% is defined, if the electronic device 100 is flooded with a
humidity of 100%, a circuit may be damaged due to a short circuit.
Accordingly, in order to protect a circuit of the electronic device
100 at the time of flooding, it is necessary to determine flooding
when the humidity is less than 100%. However, if a predetermined
critical value n % of a humidity determining the flooding is too
low, even when the electronic device 100 is not actually in a
flooded state, this is determined as the flooding. A desired
critical value may be defined as 95% to successfully perform the
present disclosure.
[0118] When a humidity around the electronic device 100 is measured
using the humidity sensor 160, if digitized information is less
than the critical value n %, step 401 is performed, and if the
digitized information is greater than the critical value n %, step
405 is performed.
[0119] In step 405, after power is cut off due to the flooding of
the electronic device 100, when power is applied to the processor
122 again, the processor 122 may change a power management
procedure to control power supply according to a humidity
measurement result.
[0120] Power may be applied to the electronic device 100 in
response to a signal representing a predetermined step (i.e., a
procedure). Accordingly, if this step is held, power supply is held
not to provide power to a device where signal processing is
delayed. In general, in relation to the electronic device 100,
power is supplied through a PMIC in a power management unit, and
the processor 122 allows the PMIC 140 to add a command for delaying
processing of a signal for supplying power to the electronic device
100, so as to prevent power supply.
[0121] At this point, if a path is configured through which power
is received without passing through the PMIC 140 between the sensor
unit 150 and the battery, even if power supply is delayed in the
PMIC 140, the sensor unit 150 may receive power from a battery,
without passing through the PMIC 140.
[0122] With reference to the above method, the processor 122 may
change a power management procedure when the flooding of the
electronic device 100 is determined, and supply power to the
electronic device 100 according to a changed power management
procedure when power supply is attempted.
[0123] In an embodiment, once power supply is attempted, the
processor 122 may change a power management procedure so that the
PMIC 140 delays processing of a power supply signal for supplying
power to the electronic device 100 and delays power supply signal
processing until receiving whether to supply power by using the
humidity sensor 160 from the controller 152 of the sensor unit 150
separately performing a function.
[0124] When power is supplied to the electronic device 100, the
changed power management procedure may be stored in the memory 110
in addition to the firmware or BIOS software that is also stored in
the memory 110.
[0125] Furthermore, the processor 122 may display the contents
about an operation performed in step 405 on the display unit
131.
[0126] The processor 122 may perform step 407 after changing the
power management procedure in step 405.
[0127] In step 407, the processor 122 may store state information
of when it is determined that the electronic device 100 is
flooded.
[0128] In an embodiment, the processor 122 may collect state
information of the electronic device 100 periodically by using
various kinds of sensors in a sensor unit, and may collect state
information of the electronic device 100 from when the flooding of
the electric device 100 was determined by the humidity sensor
160.
[0129] The information collected and stored of when the electronic
device 100 has been flooded may include a variety of information to
be used for objectively checking a state of the electronic device
100 at the time of flooding through sensors and devices in the
electronic device 100, such as, for example, date and time
information at the time of flooding, position information of the
electronic device 100 via GPS, information on programs in
operation, illumination information around the electronic device
100 collected through an illumination sensor, and movement (e.g.,
impact, vibration, and/or tilt) of the electronic device 100 via an
acceleration sensor and a gyroscope sensor.
[0130] The processor 122 may store the collected state information
at the time of flooding of the electronic device 100, in the memory
110 which may include at least one data storage unit 112.
[0131] In step 407, when storing the state information of the
electronic device 100, the processor 122 may terminate the
flowchart of FIG. 4A. Additionally, the processor 122 may cut off
the power to the electronic device 100 so as to prevent additional
damage due to continuous power supply.
[0132] Furthermore, the processor 122 may display the contents
about an operation performed in step 407, on the display unit 131
before cutting off the power to the electronic device 100.
[0133] FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and managing power supply when the electronic device 100 is
flooded according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 4B, the processor 122 may perform step 409
for determining the flooding of the electronic device 100 by using
the humidity sensor 160 and step 411 for changing and storing a
power management procedure to delay power supply when power supply
to the electronic device is attempted and determine whether to
supply power by using the humidity sensor 160.
[0135] Step 409 for determining the flooding of the electronic
device 100 by using the humidity sensor 160 may include step 401
for determining a humidity of the electronic device 100 by using
the humidity sensor 160 and step 403 for determining the flooding
by comparing the measured humidity information and a reference
humidity for determining the flooding of the electronic device
100.
[0136] Once power supply to the electronic device is attempted,
step 411 for changing a power management procedure to delay power
supply and determine whether to supply power by using the humidity
sensor 160 may include step 405 for changing a power supply
procedure during power connection. Step 405 may change a command
for the PMIC 140 to delay processing of a signal for supplying
power to the electronic device 100 once power connection is
attempted. Step 405 may also or alternatively change a command for
the PMIC 140 to supply power to the electronic device 100 or cut
off power by receiving a control regarding whether to supply power
to the electronic device 100 from the controller 152. The change to
the command for the PMIC 140 at step 405 may be stored in the
memory 110.
[0137] Furthermore, at step 405, a command for the controller 152
may be changed to collect humidity information by using the
humidity sensor 160, and to determine whether to supply power to
the electronic device 100 by comparing the collected humidity
information with a reference humidity available for the electronic
device 100 may be further included.
[0138] Furthermore, at step 407, the memory 110 may store
information such as visual data of the electronic device 100 at the
timing of flooding, illumination amount data around the electronic
device 100, impact amount data applied to the electronic device
100, vibration amount data of the electronic device 100
corresponding to the impact amount data, acceleration amount data
of the electronic device 100 corresponding to the impact amount
data, tilt amount data of the electronic device 100, rotational
inertia amount data of the electronic device 100, and running
application program list data of the electronic device 100 by using
sensor such as the humidity sensor 160, a GPS (not shown), a
gyroscope sensor (not shown), and an acceleration sensor (not
shown), which configure the sensor unit.
[0139] Furthermore, the processor 122 may display the contents
about operations performed in FIG. 4B on the display unit 131.
[0140] FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing
data and supplying power to the electronic device 100 when the
electronic device 100 is flooded according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0141] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
processor 122 collects humidity information around the electronic
device 100. When it is determined that the electronic device 100 is
in a flooded state, the processor 122 may collect state information
at the time of flooding of the electronic device 100 and may store
the collected state information in the memory 110. When power is
supplied after the flooding, the processor 122 may supply power to
the waterproofed controller 152 that is capable of independently
operating sensors. The controller 152 may obtain a humidity of the
electronic device 100 by operating the humidity sensor 160, and may
compare the humidity with a reference humidity available for the
electronic device 100 to determine whether to supply power to the
electronic device 100.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 4C, the processor 122 uses the humidity
sensor 160 to collect humidity information around the electronic
device 100 in step 413.
[0143] In an embodiment, the processor 122 may use the humidity
sensor 160 to periodically measure a humidity of the electronic
device 100. In another embodiment, the processor 122 may allow the
controller 152 configuring the sensor unit 150 to measure a
humidity of the electronic device 100 through the humidity sensor
160. In another embodiment, the controller 152 may measure a
humidity of the electronic device 100 through a humidity sensor,
which is independent from a control of the processor 122.
[0144] Information measured and digitized by the humidity sensor
160 may be stored in the memory 110 as a log, and may be used to
determine whether the electronic device 100 is flooded by comparing
the measured humidity to a predetermined reference humidity such
that the processor 122 or the controller 152 may determine
flooding.
[0145] The processor 122 may measure a humidity of the electronic
device 100 and proceeds to step 415.
[0146] In step 415, the processor 122 may determine the flooding of
the electronic device 100 by using the collected humidity
information.
[0147] In an embodiment, if it is assumed that a humidity of a
flooded state is 100%, when the digitized humidity information is
greater than a predetermined critical value n %, the processor 122
determines that the electronic device 100 is flooded. Here, a
desirable critical value n % is defined as 95% like step 403.
[0148] When a humidity around the electronic device 100 is measured
using the humidity sensor 160, if the digitized information is less
than the critical value n %, step 413 is performed, and if the
digitized information is greater than the critical value n %, step
417 is performed.
[0149] In step 417, the processor 122 may store information
necessary for supplying power to the electronic device 100 when
power is supplied again after power cutoff.
[0150] The processor 122 determines the flooding of the electronic
device 100 when the humidity obtained using the humidity sensor 160
is equal to or greater than the reference humidity n % determining
the flooding. The processor 122 of the electronic device 100
determined as flooded may store in the memory 110 information
processed to supply power only if the a humidity of the electronic
device 100 is the reference humidity available for the electronic
device 100, as power is applied again after power cutoff before
power to the electronic device 100 is cut off.
[0151] In an embodiment, the stored information may be a command
for the controller 152 to determine power supply of the electronic
device 100 by using the humidity sensor 160 if no power is supplied
to the processor 122 during power connection of the electronic
device 100, or information indicating whether the electronic device
100 is flooded.
[0152] At this point, the memory 110 storing information may be a
memory where firmware or BIOS processed first of all is stored when
power is applied to the electronic device 100, or a memory
connected to the controller 152 determining information that
indicates whether the electronic device 100 is flooded.
[0153] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, the
processor 122 may proceed to step for storing state information of
when it is determined that the electronic device 100 is
flooded.
[0154] The information collected and stored when the electronic
device 100 is flooded includes a variety of information used for
objectively checking a state of the electronic device 100 at the
time of flooding through sensors and devices in the electronic
device 100, such as date and time information at the time of
flooding, position information of the electronic device 100 via
GPS, information on programs in operation, illumination information
around the electronic device 100 collected through an illumination
sensor, and movement (e.g., impact, vibration, and tilt) of the
electronic device 100 via an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope
sensor.
[0155] The processor 122 may store the collected state information
at the time of flooding of the electronic device 100, in the memory
110. Here, the memory 110 may be at least one data storage unit 112
in the electronic device 100.
[0156] Furthermore, the processor 122 may display the contents
about an operation performed in step 417, on the display unit 131
before cutting off the power to the electronic device 100.
[0157] Additionally, the processor 122 may cut off the power to the
electronic device 100 so as to prevent 419 additional damage that
may result from a continuous supply of power to the electronic
device 100.
[0158] In step 421, restoration of a power connection to the
electronic device 100 after power has been cut off is attempted
again.
[0159] In an embodiment, the power connection of the electronic
device 100 may be accomplished by normally manipulating a device
for power connection of the electronic device 100. Also, due to a
short circuit of a circuit or device, or physical, programmatic,
and systematic malfunctions of a device for power connection, the
power connection of the electronic device 100 may be accomplished.
That is, there are various cases for the power connection of the
electronic device 100.
[0160] Once power connection to the electronic device 100 is
attempted in step 421, step 423 starts.
[0161] In step 423, when power is supplied after the flooding of
the electronic device 100, the PMIC 140 may supply power to the
sensor unit, and delays power to the processor 122 and the
remaining electronic devices.
[0162] In an embodiment, when power connection to the electronic
device 100 is attempted, power management unit 215 may delay
processing of a signal for supplying power to the processor 122 and
the remaining electronic devices so as to postpone power supply. If
an independent path is configured for receiving power between the
waterproofed controller 152 and the battery 170 without passing
through the processor 122, the controller 152 may receive power
from the battery 170 via the independent path to perform a
function.
[0163] In another embodiment, if a path for receiving power through
the PMIC 140 configuring the power management unit between the
controller and the battery without passing through the processor
122 is designed, once power connection to the electronic device 100
is attempted, the power management unit including PMIC 140 delays
processing of a signal for supplying power to the processor 122 and
the remaining electronic devices so as to postpone power supply and
then, supplies power to the controller 152. The waterproofed
controller 152 may receive battery power from the PMIC 140 to
perform a function.
[0164] Once power is supplied to the controller 152 configuring the
sensor unit 150, it is possible to proceed to step 425.
[0165] In step 425, the controller 152 uses the humidity sensor 160
to collect humidity information of the electronic device 100.
[0166] While no power is supplied to the processor 122 and the
remaining electronic devices except for the sensor unit 150
controlling sensors, the controller 152 configuring the sensor unit
150 may determine whether to supply power on the basis of the state
of the electronic device 100.
[0167] In an embodiment, when power connection to the electronic
device 100 is attempted and the PMIC 140 delays processing of a
signal for supplying power to the electronic device 100 to postpone
power supply, the controller 152 may use the humidity sensor 160
according to a command of a program stored in the memory 110 in
step 417, so as to collect humidity information of the electronic
device 100.
[0168] In another embodiment, when power connection to the
electronic device 100 is attempted and the PMIC 140 delays
processing of a signal for supplying power to the electronic device
100 to postpone power supply, the controller 152 allows the PMIC
140 to supply the delayed power to the electronic device 100 when
the stored information is not the flooding on the basis of the
information indicating whether the electronic device 100 is
flooded, which is stored in the memory 110 in step 417, and uses
the humidity sensor 160 to collect humidity information of the
electronic device 100 when the stored information is the
flooding.
[0169] In further embodiment, when power connection to the
electronic device 100 is attempted and the PMIC 140 delays
processing of a signal for supplying power to the electronic device
100 to postpone power supply, the controller 152 may detect that
the PMIC 140 delays signal processing or power is not supplied to
the processor 122 and the remaining electronic devices, and then,
uses the humidity sensor 160 to collect humidity information of the
electronic device 100.
[0170] The controller 152 may use the humidity sensor 160 to
collect humidity information of the electronic device 100, and then
proceeds to step 427.
[0171] In step 427, the controller 152 determines power supply to
the electronic device by using information collected through the
humidity sensor 160.
[0172] In an embodiment, the controller 152 may compare the
humidity information of the electronic device 100 collected by the
humidity sensor 160 with a humidity of a flooded state (e.g., a
humidity is 95% or more) and then, if the humidity is not removed
enough to operate the electronic device 100 normally as power is
received, the PMIC 140 performs step 431 for cutting off power to
the electronic device 100 and terminates all steps of FIG. 4C.
[0173] In an embodiment, the controller 152 compares the collected
humidity information of the electronic device 100 with a humidity
of a flooded state (e.g., a humidity is 95% or more) and then, if
the collected humidity information is within a reference humidity
range available for the electronic device 100, the PMIC 140
processes a signal that was delayed not to supply power to the
processor 122 and the remaining electronic device, so that step 429
for supplying power to the electronic device 100 may be performed
and all steps of FIG. 4C may be terminated.
[0174] In step 429, once power is supplied to the electronic device
100 normally, the processor 122 may execute the service state check
program 116 to check the contents about operations performed after
the flooding of the electronic device 100 (e.g., power is cut off
in the electronic device 100 through an abnormal method before step
431, or although power connection to the electronic device 100 is
attempted, this is determined as an abnormal connection in step 427
and thus power is cut off), so as to display 607 and 609 the
contents on the display unit 131.
[0175] In step 431, the controller 152 uses the PMIC 140 to cut off
power supply to the electronic device 100.
[0176] In an embodiment, if humidity information collected by the
humidity sensor 160 is greater than a reference humidity available
for the electronic device 100, the controller 152 may cut off power
to prevent the electronic device 100 from being damaged such as a
short circuit of a circuit due to humidity.
[0177] The controller 152 may not process a signal for supplying
power to the electronic device 100, which is delayed by the PMIC
140, so that it cuts off power supply to the controller 152 and the
electronic device 100.
[0178] Additionally, when a path for directly receiving power
between the controller 152 and the battery without passing through
the processor 122 or the PMIC 140 is designed, the controller 152
may cut off power by itself.
[0179] FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a process of managing
power supply when power is supplied after the flooding of the
electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0180] Once power is supplied to a circuit while the electronic
device 100 is determined as flooded, flooded circuits or devices
may be damaged due to a short circuit. Accordingly, when power is
supplied after the flooding of the electronic device 100, it is
desirable to determine whether the humidity is removed enough to
supply power to the electronic device 100.
[0181] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when
power is supplied after the flooding, the processor 122 delays
processing of a signal for supplying power to the electronic device
100 according to a power connection method changed before the
flooding, and receives power from the battery independently to
operate humidity sensor 160 through the waterproofed controller 152
performing a function without a control of the processor 122. Then,
the humidity sensor 160 may collect humidity information of the
electronic device 100 so that power may be supplied to the
electronic device 100 only when the humidity is removed enough to
supply power to the electronic device 100.
[0182] Referring to FIG. 5A, in step 501, when power is supplied
after the flooding of the electronic device 100, the PMIC 140
supplies power to the sensor unit 150, and may delay power supply
to the processor 122 and the remaining electronic devices.
[0183] In an embodiment, when power connection to the electronic
device 100 is attempted, a power management unit including the PMIC
140 delays processing of a signal for supplying power to the
processor 122 and the remaining electronic devices so as to
postpone power supply. If an independent path is configured to
receive power between the waterproofed controller 152 and the
battery 170 without passing through the processor 122, the
controller 152 may receive power from the battery 170 via the
independent path to perform a function.
[0184] In another embodiment, if a path for receiving power through
the PMIC 140 configuring the power management unit between the
controller and the battery without passing through the processor
122 is configured, once power connection to the electronic device
100 is attempted, the power management unit including PMIC 140 may
delay processing of a signal for supplying power to the processor
122 and the remaining electronic devices so as to postpone power
supply and then, supplies power to the controller 152. The
waterproofed controller 152 may receive battery power from the PMIC
140 to perform a function.
[0185] Once power is supplied to the controller 152 configuring the
sensor unit 150, it is possible to proceed to step 502.
[0186] In step 502, the controller 152 may use the humidity sensor
160 to collect humidity information of the electronic device
100.
[0187] When the controller 153 drives the humidity sensor 160 to
measure a humidity of the electronic device 100, in order to
prevent an unnecessary procedure for measuring humidity each time
power is supplied to the controller after power is supplied to the
electronic device 100, a procedure for determining that power
connection may be attempted while the electronic device 100 is in a
flooded state is required.
[0188] In an embodiment, when a power connection to the electronic
device 100 is attempted and the PMIC 140 delays processing of a
signal for supplying power to the electronic device 100 to postpone
power supply, the controller 152 detects that the PMIC 140 has
delayed signal processing or that power is not being supplied to
the processor 122 and the remaining electronic devices, and then,
uses the humidity sensor 160 to collect humidity information of the
electronic device 100.
[0189] In another embodiment, when the memory 110 is connected to
the controller 152, the processor 122 may store information on at
the time of flooding of the electronic device 100. When power
connection to the electronic device 100 is attempted and the PMIC
140 delays processing of a signal for supplying power to the
electronic device 100, the controller 152 may read information on
the flooding from the memory 152. If the electronic device 100 is
flooded, the controller 152 may use the humidity sensor 160 to
collect humidity information of the electronic device 100, and if
not, the PMIC 140 normally supplies the power of the electronic
device 100 held by delaying processing of a power supply signal in
step 505.
[0190] The controller uses the humidity sensor 160 to collect
humidity information of the electronic device 100, and then
proceeds to step 503.
[0191] In step 503, the controller 152 may determine power supply
to the electronic device by using information collected through the
humidity sensor 160.
[0192] Even when power is not supplied to the processor 122 in a
flooded state of the electronic device 100, the waterproofed
controller 152 may receive power from the battery to operate the
humidity sensor 160. Therefore, when power is supplied in a power
off state after the electronic device 100 is flooded, whether power
is supplied normally after the humidity of the electronic device
100 is removed or power is supplied due to a short circuit of a
circuit or device or physical malfunction of a power button when
there is a humidity in the electronic device 100 is determined
based on the humidity of the electronic device 100 measured by the
humidity sensor 160, and then a determination whether to supply
power may be made.
[0193] In an embodiment, the controller 152 may compare the
humidity information of the electronic device 100 collected by the
humidity sensor 160 with a humidity of a flooded state (e.g., a
humidity is 95% or more) and then, if the humidity is not removed
enough to operate the electronic device 100 normally as power is
received, the PMIC 140 may perform step 507 for cutting off power
to the electronic device 100 and terminates all steps of FIG.
5A.
[0194] In an embodiment, the controller 152 may compare the
collected humidity information of the electronic device 100 with a
humidity of a flooded state (e.g., a humidity is 95% or more) and
then, if the collected humidity information is within a reference
humidity range available for the electronic device 100, the PMIC
140 may process a signal that was delayed not to supply power to
the processor 122 and the remaining electronic device, so that step
505 for supplying power to the electronic device 100 may be
normally performed and all steps of FIG. 5A may be terminated.
[0195] In step 507, the controller 152 uses the PMIC 140 to cut off
power supply to the electronic device 100.
[0196] In an embodiment, if humidity information collected by the
humidity sensor 160 is greater than a reference humidity available
for the electronic device 100, the controller 152 cuts off power to
prevent the electronic device 100 from being damaged such as a
short circuit of a circuit due to humidity.
[0197] The controller 152 may not process a signal for supplying
power to the electronic device 100, which is delayed by the PMIC
140 so that it cuts off power supply to the controller 152 and the
electronic device 100.
[0198] Additionally, when a path for directly receiving power
between the controller 152 and the battery without passing through
the processor 122 or the PMIC 140 is designed, the controller 152
may cut off power by itself.
[0199] FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating a process of managing
power supply when power is connected after the flooding of the
electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0200] Referring to FIG. 5B, the flowchart includes step 509, step
511, and step 513. In step 509, the PMIC 140 supplies power to the
controller 152 and postpones power supply to the processor 122 and
the remaining electronic device when power connection to the
electronic device 100 is attempted. In step 511, the controller 152
collects humidity information of the electronic device 100 by using
the humidity sensor 160 when power is not supplied to the
electronic device 100. In step 531, the controller 152 allows the
PMIC 140 to supply power to the electronic device 100 only when the
measured humidity information is within a reference humidity
available for the electronic device 100.
[0201] Step 509 in which the PMIC 140 supplies power to the
controller 152 and postpones power supply to the processor 122 and
the remaining electronic device when power connection to the
electronic device 100 is attempted may include step 501 in which
the controller 152 receive power directly from the battery 170 or
the PMIC 140 once power connection to the electronic device 100 is
attempted and step 501 in which the PMIC 140 delays processing of a
signal for supplying power to the processor 122 and the remaining
electronic device to postpone power supply.
[0202] Step 511 in which humidity information of the electronic
device is collected by the humidity sensor 160 if no power is
supplied to the electronic device 100 may include: step 502 in
which the controller receiving power detects that no power is
supplied to the processor 122 and the remaining electronic device,
step 502 in which the humidity sensor 160 is driven even when no
power is supplied to the processor 122 and the remaining electronic
device, and/or step 502 in which a humidity of the electronic
device 100 is measured using the humidity sensor 160.
[0203] Furthermore, when the controller 152 is connected to the
memory 110, the flowchart of FIG. 5B may further include step 502
in which the controller 152 determines whether the electronic
device 100 is flooded on the basis of information stored in the
memory 110, step 502 in which the controller collects humidity
information of the electronic device 100 by using the humidity
sensor 160 if the electronic device 100 is flooded, and step 502 in
which the controller 152 allows the PMIC 140 to supply power to the
electronic device 100 if the electronic device 100 is not
flooded.
[0204] When measured humidity information is within a reference
humidity available for the electronic device 100, step 513 for
supplying power to the electronic device 100 may include step 503
in which the controller 152 compares the humidity of the electronic
device with the reference humidity available for the electronic
device 100, step 507 in which the PMIC 140 cuts power off if the
humidity of the electronic device 100 is greater than the reference
humidity, and step 505 in which the PMIC 140 supplies power to the
electronic device 100 normally if the humidity of the electronic
device 100 is less than the reference humidity.
[0205] FIG. 6A is a view of when contents about an operation
performed are displayed on a display unit in the electronic device
100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 6A, when power is supplied normally after
the flooding of the electronic device 100, the processor 122
displays on the display unit 131 information on the contents about
operations performed from at the time of flooding of the electronic
device 100, so that the operations of the electronic device 100 at
the time of flooding may be easily checked.
[0207] For example, when next power is supplied after the flooding
of the electronic device 100, the processor 122 is set to postpone
power supply to the processor 122 and the remaining electronic
device except the controller 153. Date and time information
relating to this setting and contents about operations performed
are displayed 601 on the display unit 131 of the electronic device
100 after the humidity of electronic device 100 is removed and
power is supplied normally.
[0208] In another embodiment, when state information on at the time
of flooding of the electronic device 100 is measured and stored
using sensors of a sensor unit, the processor 122 may display 603
on the display unit 131 date and time information relating to this
operation, contents about measured and stored information, or
results for saving, after the humidity of the electronic device 100
is removed enough to receive power normally.
[0209] FIG. 6B is a view of when contents about an operation
performed are displayed on a display unit in the electronic device
100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 6B, when power is supplied normally after
the flooding of the electronic device 100, the processor 122 may
display on the display unit 131 information on the contents about
operations performed from at the time of flooding of the electronic
device 100 to the normal power supply after the humidity of the
electronic device 100 is removed, so that the operations of the
electronic device 100 at the time of flooding may be easily
checked.
[0211] In an embodiment, when next power is supplied after the
flooding of the electronic device 100, the processor 122 stores
information on the flooding of the electronic device 100 in the
memory 110 so that the controller detects the flooding through the
information stored in the memory 110, and displays the stored
contents on the display unit 131 of the electronic device 100 after
the humidity of the electronic device 100 is removed.
[0212] In another example, when the electronic device 100 is
flooded, like steps 431 and 507, if the electronic device 100 is
turned off and power is cut off through an abnormal procedure by
the processor 122, e.g., power cutoff due to battery removal and a
short circuit, contents about the abnormal termination may be
displayed on the display unit 131 of the electronic device 100
after the humidity of the electronic device 100 is removed and
power is supplied normally.
[0213] In another embodiment, when power is cut off at the timing
of flooding and power is supplied again, if it is determined that
power is supplied to the controller 152 with the humidity not
removed, contents about power connection attempt before power is
supplied normally after the humidity of the electronic device 100
is removed may be displayed on the display unit 131 of the
electronic device 100 after the humidity of the electronic device
removed and power is supplied normally.
[0214] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a power applying process of
the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0215] Referring to FIG. 7, if it satisfies all predetermined
conditions in applying power, the electronic device 100 may perform
a power applying sequence operation.
[0216] The electronic device 100 may operate a power applying
sequence by inputting 721 a power applying signal 701, check an
operating state of the controller 152 through a control signal 703
of the controller 152, check an operating state of the processor
122 through a control signal 705 of the processor 122, check a
control signal 707 or 709 of a regulator controlling the occurrence
of a voltage operating peripheral devices, prepare normal
operations of the controller 152, the processor 122, and peripheral
devices through a reset control signal 701, and supply power to the
processor 122, the controller 152, and the peripheral devices of
the electronic device 100 through a power on/off control signal
713.
[0217] The PMIC 140 of the electronic device 100 may check a state
of the electronic device 100 by transmitting/receiving a signal for
checking an operating state between the processor 122, controller
152, and peripheral devices of the electronic device 100.
[0218] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when
the electronic device 100 is flooded and power supply is attempted,
the electronic device 100 may obtain a humidity state of the
electronic device 100 through the humidity sensor 160 by applying
power to the controller 152, and supplying power to the processor
122 and the peripheral device when the humidity state of the
electronic device 100 is within a range in which power can be
applied.
[0219] After the flooding, if power supply is attempted through a
power button of the electronic device 100, the PMIC 140 of the
electronic device 100 may determine whether the processor 122, the
controller 152, and peripheral devices of the electronic device 100
operate normally through a control signal or a response signal.
[0220] The controller 152 may receive power from the battery 170
through a channel independent from channels of the processor 122
and the peripheral devices, and when power supply to the electronic
device 100 is attempted, an operation of the controller 152 may be
checked first. In relation to a power applying sequence, by not
transmitting a control signal (or a response signal) of the
controller 152 of the controller 152 during an operation for
checking control signal 723 of the controller 152, a verification
process of the control signal 705 of the processor 122 may be
postponed, and the controller 152 receiving power via an
independent channel may control the humidity sensor 160.
[0221] When information on a flooded state of the electronic device
100 or information on the flooding is stored in the memory 110, the
controller 152 may check whether the electronic device 100 is
flooded and if it is determined that the electronic device 100 is
flooded, may check a humidity of the electronic device 100.
[0222] When information on the flooding of the electronic device
100 is stored in the memory 110, the controller 152 may check the
memory 110, and if there is no information on the flooding, the
controller 152 transmits the control signal 701 or a signal for
continuous power applying sequence of the electronic device 100 to
the PMIC 140.
[0223] When the humidity of the electronic device 100 obtained
through the humidity sensor 160 is within a reference humidity
range available for the electronic device 100, the controller 152
may transmit the control signal 701 or a signal for continuous
power applying sequence of the electronic device 100 to the PMIC
140.
[0224] When the humidity of the electronic device 100 obtained
through the humidity sensor 160 is not within the reference
humidity range available for the electronic device 100, the
controller 152 may not transmit the control signal 701 to the PMIC
140 or does not process a power applying sequence of the electronic
device 100 but transmits a signal for cutting off power to the
electronic device 100.
[0225] The PMIC 140 may check a control signal from the processor
122, the controller 152, and the peripheral devices, and when all
the control signals are determined as normal, supplies power 727 to
the electronic device 100 by transition (or triggering) 725 of the
power on/off control signal 713.
[0226] If the PMIC 140 does not receive the control signal 701 from
the controller 152, or does not progress a power applying sequence
of the electronic device 100 anymore, or receives a signal for
cutting off power to the electronic device 100, power supply to the
electronic device 100 is cut off according to a procedure.
[0227] Methods according to embodiments listed in the claims and
specification of the present disclosure may be realized in a
hardware type, a software type, or a combination thereof.
[0228] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure
can be implemented in hardware, firmware or via the execution of
software or computer code that can be stored in a recording medium
such as a CD ROM, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a magnetic tape,
a RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk or
computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a
remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium
and to be stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods
described herein can be rendered via such software that is stored
on the recording medium using a general purpose computer, or a
special processor or in programmable or dedicated hardware, such as
an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer,
the processor, microprocessor controller or the programmable
hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc.
that may store or receive software or computer code that when
accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware
implement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it
would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses
code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of
the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special
purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Any of
the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented
in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed
in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a
computer. No claim element herein is to be construed under the
provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is
expressly recited using the phrase "means for". The terms "unit" or
"module" referred to herein is to be understood as comprising
hardware such as a processor or microprocessor configured for a
certain desired functionality, or a non-transitory medium
comprising machine executable code, in accordance with statutory
subject matter under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.101 and does not constitute
software per se.
[0229] Additionally, programs may be stored in an attachable
storage device that is accessible via a communication network such
as internet, intranet, LAN, WLAN, or SAN or a communication network
including a combination thereof. Such storage device may access the
electronic device 100 via an external port. Additionally, an
additional storage device on a communication network may access a
portable electronic device 100.
[0230] As mentioned above, after a state of an electronic device is
checked through a humidity sensor and then it is determined that
the electronic device is flooded, information on the state of the
electronic device is stored and power is cut off, so that accurate
and objective data of the electronic device at the time of flooding
may be collected and realized.
[0231] As another example, while it is determined that an
electronic device is flooded and state information on the
electronic device is stored, if no power is supplied to the
electronic device and then power is supplied again, a power
connection method for supplying power to a water-proofed micro
controller unit and sensor unit is used so that it prepares the
case that power is supplied during a flooded state.
[0232] Moreover, in relation to a method of supplying power during
power connection of the electronic device, if there is humidity in
the electronic device as a humidity sensor operates first, no power
is applied to the electronic device, so that a system is prevented
from additional damage due to humidity.
[0233] While the disclosure has been shown and described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the
detailed description of the disclosure but by the appended claims,
and all differences within the scope will be construed as being
included in the present disclosure.
* * * * *